Valve is reassessing the launch timeline and pricing for its highly anticipated Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller, citing ongoing disruptions in the memory and storage markets. While an initial target of early 2026 was communicated, the company now anticipates a launch sometime in the first half of the year, but stresses that concrete pricing and release dates are still to be determined. This news comes despite earlier indications from AMD that the Steam Machine remained “on track” for an early 2026 release.
The challenges stem from a global shortage of memory and storage components, which has led to increased prices and limited availability. Valve initially planned to announce specific pricing and launch dates by now, but the rapidly changing market conditions have forced a reevaluation. “We planned on being able to share specific pricing and launch dates by now,” Valve stated in a recent post. “But the memory and storage shortages you’ve likely heard about across the industry have rapidly increased since then. The limited availability and growing prices of these critical components mean we must revisit our exact shipping schedule and pricing (especially around Steam Machine and Steam Frame).”
Despite the uncertainty, Valve maintains its goal of releasing all three products – the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller – within the first half of 2026. However, the company acknowledges the need to finalize pricing and launch dates that it can confidently commit to, given the volatility of the component market. “Our goal of shipping all three products in the first half of the year has not changed. But we have work to do to land on concrete pricing and launch dates that we can confidently announce,” the company explained.
The situation highlights the broader impact of supply chain issues on the technology industry. The memory and storage crunch is affecting numerous manufacturers, and Valve is not alone in facing these challenges. The Steam Machine, a PC-based gaming console designed to integrate with the Steam platform, represents Valve’s return to the hardware market after a previous attempt with the original Steam Machine several years ago. The Steam Frame is a VR headset, and the Steam Controller is a redesigned gamepad intended to offer a unique gaming experience.
AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su had previously indicated that Valve was “on track” to begin shipping the AMD-powered Steam Machine early in 2026, according to statements made during AMD’s Q4 2025 earnings call. This initial assessment offered a degree of optimism, but Valve’s subsequent update suggests a more cautious approach is necessary.
Valve has updated its FAQ on Steam to reflect the revised timeline. The company has moved away from specifying a Q1 2026 launch window, instead stating that the first half of the year remains the target. This adjustment underscores the difficulties in predicting a firm release date amidst the ongoing component shortages and price fluctuations.
The delay in announcing pricing is directly linked to the unstable component market. Valve is hesitant to commit to a price point until it has a clearer understanding of the long-term costs of memory and storage. This cautious approach aims to avoid potential price increases or delays further down the line. The company is committed to providing updates as soon as more information becomes available, acknowledging the importance of transparency with its customer base.
While AMD’s assessment suggested the hardware itself was ready for production, Valve’s update emphasizes the external factors influencing the launch. The company is prioritizing a stable and predictable release, even if it means delaying the announcement of pricing and launch dates. This strategy reflects a commitment to delivering a product that meets customer expectations without being subject to last-minute changes due to market volatility.
The Steam Machine represents Valve’s attempt to create a cohesive gaming ecosystem that seamlessly integrates hardware and software. The success of the Steam Machine will depend not only on its technical capabilities but also on its ability to navigate the current supply chain challenges and offer a competitive price point. The coming months will be crucial as Valve works to finalize its plans and prepare for the launch of its new hardware.
